"What Should I Read Next?" is our third and final homeschool program for this spring.Â ItÂ will be on Tuesday, May 4, at 1:00 p.m at the Main Library.Â At this program we'll tell you about some new books in our collection and introduce you to some of our old favorites, as well.Â It's a great way to find something new to read this summer.Â This program is for homeschoolersÂ ages 6 - 12, but the titles being discussed will be geared to a 3rd - 6th grade reading level. Registration is required.Â Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.Â Program will last about 45-60 minutes.

Did you ever think it would be fun to dig for dinosaur bones?Â Come to the library and meet Science CityÂ paleontologist "Dino Matt" Christopher on Friday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch Library.Â (There is no school that day!)Â He'll talk about where fossils are found and show the tools used to dig them up.Â You'll even have the chance to see some real fossils up close!
This program is for K - 6th graders.Â Â Registration is required.Â Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.Â The program will last about an hour.Â Don't miss the Fantastic Fossils @ the Library!

Do you like trains?Â Then be sureÂ to stop by the Indian Creek Branch Library on March 27 or 28, and check out the awesome model railroad display in the large meeting room.Â Model trains will be running during the following times:

Saturday, March 27 between 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 28 between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Experts will be on hand to answer your questions about model railroading and the display.Â Participating train groups include Operation Lifesaver, Turkey Creek Division of the National Model Railroad Association, Mo-Kan RailJoiners Model Railroading Club, and more.Â This train display was very popular at the MainÂ Library last December.Â Now you have another chance to see it.Â Don't miss these model railroad trains in action!

This spring the Olathe Public Library is offering a series of programs geared specifically to homeschool students, ages 6 -12.Â Each of these programs will focus on a different topic.Â The first program is entitled "You Are Here: Learning About Maps"Â and will beÂ on Tuesday, March 2 at 1:00 p.m. at the Main Library.Â You will learn about maps, gain some basic map reading skills, and then go on a library scavenger hunt using a compass.Â Registration is required and begins on Monday, February 15.Â Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.Â The program will last 45-60 minutes.
Here isÂ the completeÂ list of homeschool programs being offered:

You Are Here: Learning About Maps
Tuesday, March 2Â -Â 1:00 p.m @ Main Library
Registration begins on February 15

Do you like to play chess?Â Would you like a chance to develop your chess-playing skills?Â Then we invite you to our Family Chess Nights at the library.Â All playing levels are welcome. Boards and equipment will be provided by the library.Â During the school year Family Chess Nights occur on the first Monday of the month at the Main Library and on the fourth Monday of the month at the Indian Creek Branch.Â No registration is required.Â All ages are welcome, but kindergartners and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
HereÂ is a list ofÂ upcoming dates and times:

Karen Land and her sled dog, Borage, are coming to the Indian Creek Branch Library on Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.Â Karen has participated in the Iditarod Dog Sled Race across Alaska three times!Â Â Â Don't miss this exciting opportunity toÂ hear all about her icy adventures as a dog sled racer.Â
This program is for elementary-aged children through adult.Â Parents must attend with their children.Â NOTE:Â This is a longer program and will last approximately 2 hours.Â Registration is required.Â Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.

Are you looking for something fun to do while school is out?Â Here are some activities happening at the library during the winter break.
Family Chess NightÂ - for all ages
Monday, December 28 - 6:30-8:00 p.m. @ Indian Creek Branch
Play Bingo - for 1st-6th graders
Tuesday, December 29 - 1:00 p.m. @ Main Library
Bedtimes Stories for a Winter's Night - a family storytime
Tuesday, December 29 - 7:00 p.m. @ Indian Creek Branch
Read to a Dog - for young readers of all ages
Saturday, January 2 - 1:30-2:30 p.m @ Indian Creek Branch
Make a Silly Weather Forecaster - for 1st-6th graders
Monday, JanuaryÂ 4 - 2:00 p.m. @ Main Library
Free Family MovieSHORTS - for all ages
Tuesday, January 5 - 2:00 p.m @ Main LIbrary
Make a Silly Weather Forecaster - for 1st-6th graders
Wednesday, January 6 - 2:00 p.m. @ Indian Creek Branch
For more detailsÂ about these and other programs, visit our Programs web page.Â Don't forget that both libraries will be closed on December 24, December 25, and January 1.Â We will also be closing early at 3:00 p.m. on December 31.Â Happy holidays!

Model trains are coming to the library!Â This Thursday night and all day Saturday, model trains will be on display at the Main Library.Â The trains will be running, and experts will be on hand to answer any questions about the trains and the display.Â Â Below are the times you can drop by the Storytime Room and see the model trains in action:

Thursday, December 10 between 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 between 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
If you are a fan of toy trains, you won't want to miss this special display.Â And while you're at the library, why not check out a book or video about trains?Â The I Love Toy Trains series is especially popular. All aboard!!